UPDATE: LITH needs porches, and swag available

Since my previous post, Michelle Gardner has sent out the following e-mail, getting even more specific about Lights in the Heights organizers’ need for porches along the route. If you live on the route, e-mail her a shout and let her know you can help (Info below).

Also, according to LITH co-chair Sharon Greiff, Lights in the Heights merchandise is now available for purchase. T-shirts will be hitting the stores today with a design from neighborhood resident Glen Sementelli (which you see above). “This year we have a limited amount of sweatshirt hoodies – oh yes and they have front pockets too – but those can only be ordered – via Paypal!!!!” Greiff wrote in an e-mail. To order, visit www.woodland-heights.org/events/lith and click on the Merchandise button.

Now, here’s Gardner’s e-mail:

Will this year be the worst in history?

Maybe, if we don’t have more porch volunteers.

The Lights in the Heights committee is terribly concerned about the dead stretches along the route, specifically the 800, 900 and 1000 blocks of

Byrne.

The 800 block of Euclid isn’t looking good either.

“Oh No!” you say.

“What can I do to turn this around?!?” you ask.

Donate YOUR porch to be used by entertainment!

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Could I have any input on which performers use my porch?

Yes, but it also depends on where you live, we are having quiet blocks this year, so if you live on one of those and wanted a rock band, we might have a problem, but our job is to work with porch hosts.

2. What kind of electrical needs could I expect?

It really depends. You may be placed with an acoustical group or a bell choir. In general, unless it’s a group with a large number of amplifiers, it’s not a big deal.

3. Do the performers bring family/friends along ­ where I might have my house open to many unfamiliar people?

That’s totally up to you. If you want to open your home to people you don’t know, you’re welcome to. In general, you’re only “required” to offer a restroom and a place to warm up (!) or cool down.

4. I will want to walk around the event myself. Would that be possible for short periods (say half hour to an hour) if I give the performers advance notice so they can hit the bathroom beforehand?

I would assume that anyone can hold it for half an hour, especially if you give them fair warning.

5. Do I need special insurance?

No! It’s covered by your Woodland-Heights Civic Association dues, which are required to be current to host entertainment.